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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 243, January-March, 1956. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cent
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FROM THE GOSPEL PROPHET
FOREWORD
While the entire Bible is the word of God
and replete with sound counsel of abiding
value, there are certain books that stand out
above the rest with special messages for
specific time and conditions.
Among the most important of these is the
book of Isaiah. ' The prophet stresses the
eternal truths of sin and salvation, repent-
ance and conversion, righteousness and holi-
ness, as do the other writers. But in these
subjects he excels. Rarely are found such
moving passages as his portrayal .of the suf-
fering and death of the Servant of God. No-
where else do we find a sweeter or more
touching picture of Him who was despised
and rejected of men, a Man of Sorrows and
acquainted .with grief ; who willingly bared
His back to the smiters and His cheek to
them that plucked off the hair; who hid not
His face from shame and spitting, but stead-
fastly set His heart not to fail or be dis-
couraged. Nowhere else is God's love for
sinners more beautifully portrayed than in
the promise that though our sins be as
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow,
and though they be red like crimson, they
shall be as wool. Nowhere else is found a
more tender description of God's abounding
compassion and loving-kindness than in the
Shepherd passage, where Christ is presented
as One who shall feed His flock like a shep-
herd, gather the lambs with His arm and
carry them in His bosom, and gently lead
those that are with young.
There are explicit reasons why Isaiah is of
special importance to those living at the
present time. Problems, controversies, issues,
greater and more complicated than those of
previous ages, are facing men today. The
principles underlying these are more com-
prehensively treated in Isaiah than in any
other book of Holy Writ.
"Whatsoever things were written afore-
time were written for our learning," that
through them we "might have hope." Rom.
15:4. We should not forget, however, that
though "these things" were indeed "written
for our admonition,"
they also "happened
unto them [literal Israel] for ensamples."
1 Cor. 10:11. The inspired messages of the
prophets of old were addressed to Israel of
their own day, to prepare them as individ-
uals and as a nation for the proclamation of
the gospel, for the coming of the Messiah,
and for the establishment of His eternal
kingdom.
But as a nation. Israel failed to live up to
the high privileges of her calling, and as a
result many of the predictions and promises,
particularly those relating to the proclama-
tion of the gospel and the establishment of
the Messianic kingdom, could not be ful-
filled to her. Accordingly "that which God
purposed to do for the world through Israel,
the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish
through His church on earth today"
(Proph-
ets and Kings,
pages 713, 714), and the mes-
sages of Isaiah and other prophets are replete
with lessons of profound value for God's
people today. In studying these messages, it
is our privilege to find guidance for personal
Christian living and for a more intelligent
co-operation with divine agencies in the
task of proclaiming heaven's last message
of mercy to the world.
In the study of any passage of Isaiah,
then, we do well first to examine its context
and become familiar with the historical cir-
cumstances that called forth the counsel
there given. Second, our only safe course in
applying Old Testament prophecy to spirit-
ual Israel is to rely for guidance on what
later inspired writers have written. This
approach is fundamental to a correct under-
standing of what any of the prophets have
written. Discovering thus the mind of the
Spirit speaking to the people of that earlier
time, we are better prepared to understand
the lessons these messages have for us today
and to apply them to our own lives.
3
Lesson 1, for January 7, 1956
God's Arraignment of Israel
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 1.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.
.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 634, 635 (new ed., pp. 661, 662); "Steps to Christ," pages 26-33, 40, 41;
"Prophets and Kings," pages 599, 600, 605, 606; "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Isaiah, chapter 1.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
survey of Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps as-
signment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Rebellion of Israel
1.
God's complaint against Israel.
Isa. 1:2.
2.
Israel's attitude compared with the
domestic animals. Isa. 1:3.
3.
A seven-point indictment. Isa. 1:4.
II. Israel's Lamentable Condition
4.
Futility of further punishment.
Isa. 1:5, first part.
5.
Likened to a loathsome body. Isa.
1:5 (last part), 6.
6.
Their desolated country. Isa. 1:7, 8.
7. Doom averted only because of a
remnant. Isa. 1:9.
III. The Divine Challenge
8. Repudiation of meaningless services.
Isa. 1:10-12.
9. Vanity of Israel's worship. Isa.
1:13-15.
10. Radical reform called for. Isa.
1:16, 17.
11. Invitation to repentance. Isa. 1:18.
IV. The Basis of Hope
12. Promises based on obedience. Isa.
1:19, 20.
13. Dross may be purged. Isa. 1:21-25.
14. Restoration and redemption prom-
ised. Isa. 1:26, 27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Isaiah has been called the greatest of the
Old Testament prophets, the "king of all
prophets." His name signifies "Jehovah is
salvation." Nothing is known of his father
beyond the mere fact of his name Amoz, not
to be confused with Amos the prophet, to
whom he was not related. Isaiah lived in
Jerusalem, was of the "royal line," and had
easy access to the king. He had two sons.
Isa. 7:3; 8:3.
Various authorities state that Isaiah be-
gan to prophesy between the years 745 and
739 B.c. As his active labors continued more
than sixty years, he must have died some
[4]
time after 680 B.c., during the reign of
Manasseh. Tradition records that he was
placed inside a hollow log and sawn asunder.
There may be a reference to this in Hebrews
11:36-38.
The first chapter of Isaiah has aptly been
named the "Great Arraignment," as it is
cast in the aspect of a court scene, with
God as accuser and the people as defenders.
God has a controversy with Israel, and calls
heaven and earth to witness the awful fact
that rebellion has sprung up in His family.
As plaintiff He details seven charges against
the people, all having to do with apostasy
and rebellion. The scene is most solemn.
What can the people say in defense?
They have kept up the form of worship;
they have brought their sacrifices; they have
made "many prayers;" but all this has been
merely a matter of form. The Lord is dis-
pleased. He is weary of empty ceremonies,
which He hates. But instead of pronouncing
sentence upon the transgressors, as He might
justly do, He invites them to come "and let
us reason together."
Rebellion of Israel
1.
What is God's complaint against
His people? Isa. 1:2.
NoTE.—Surely it must be a serious situa-
tion when God Himself makes the charge of
rebellion against His people. "In every age
. because of His infinite love for the erring,
God has borne long with the rebellious, and
has urged them to forsake their course of
evil, and return to
Him."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 324, 325.
2.
What impressive illustration
does God use to show how low Israel
had fallen? Isa. 1:3.
3.
How is the complete depravity
of the people contrasted with God's
holy character? Isa. 1:4.
NoTE.—What a fearful condition is here
portrayed ! In contrast with this, God is
spoken of as "the Holy One of Israel." In
vision, Isaiah had seen "the Holy One," and
had heard the seraphim sing, "Holy, holy,
holy." That impression never left him. God
was to him, "Holy, holy, holy."
"The term ["the Holy One"] occurs four-
teen times in the first part of Isaiah, and
sixteen times in the second. A corrupt peo-
ple needed to be reminded ever more and
more of the truth which the name asserted."
—Ellicott's Commentary
on Isa. 1:4.
Israel's Lamentable Condition
4.
How did God express the cer-
tainty of further punishment if the
people continued to revolt? Isa: 1:5,
first part.
5.
How completely had the body
been afflicted because of their trans-
gression? Isa. 1:5 (last part), 6.
6.
What had befallen their coun-
try? Isa. 1:7, 8.
7.
What would have taken place
had there not been "a very small rem-
nant"? Isa. 1:9.
NoTE.—"Hearts that respond to the in-
fluence, of the Holy Spirit are the channels
through which God's blessing flows. Were
those who serve God removed from the
earth, and His Spirit withdrawn from among
men, this world would be left to desolation
and destruction, the fruit of Satan's do-
minion. Though the wicked know it not,
they owe even the blessings of this life to
the presence, in the world, of God's people
whom they despise and oppress."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 306.
The Divine Challenge
8.
Addressing the rulers and the
people, by what questions does God
attempt to have them consider the real
meaning and purpose of sacrifices?
How does God regard their offerings?
Isa. 1:10-12.
[5
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GOD'S GREAT TRANSFORMATION-
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BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.*
9.
How is the uselessness of the
worship Israel was then offering set
forth? Isa. 1:13-15.
NOTE.—No form or ceremonies can ever
take the place of heart service. Without
Christ, without true repentance, no act is of
any value in God's sight. Even prayer may
become an abomination. Prov. 28:9.
10.
What radical reform does God
call for? Isa. 1:16, 17.
11.
What invitation does God ex-
tend? What happy condition follows
the acceptance of the invitation? Isa.
1:18.
NOTE.—"The government of God is not,
as Satan would make it appear, founded
upon a blind submission, an unreasoning
control. It appeals to the intellect and the
conscience. 'Come now, and let us reason
together,' is the Creator's invitation to the
beings He has made. God does not force the
will of His creatures. He cannot accept an
homage that is not willingly and intelligently
given. A mere forced submission would pre-
vent all real development of mind or charac-
ter; it would make man a mere automaton.
Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He
desires that man, the crowning work of His
creative power, shall reach the highest pos-
sible development. . . . It remains for us to
choose whether we will be set free from the
bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty
of the sons of God."
"You cannot atone for your past sins, you
cannot change your heart, and make your-
self holy. But God promises to do all this for
you through Christ. You
believe
that prom-
ise. You confess your sins, and give yourself
to God. You
will
to serve Him. Just as
surely as you do this, God will fulfill His
word to you. If you believe the promise,—
believe that you are forgiven and cleansed,—
God supplies the fact; you are made whole,
just as Christ gave the paralytic power to
walk when the man believed that he was
healed. It
is
so if you believe
it."—Steps
,
to
Christ,
pages 47, 48, 55.
The Basis of Hope
12.
On what conditions does God
promise His people the good of the
land? What attitude on the part of
the people will lead to their destruc-
tion? Isa. 1:19, 20.
NoTE.—"Here are the promises, plain and
definite, rich and full; but they are all upon
conditions. If you comply with the con-
ditions, can you not trust the Lord to fulfill
His word? Let these blessed promises, set
in the framework of faith, be placed in mem-
ory's halls. Not one of them will fail. All
that God hath spoken He will do. 'He is
faithful that promised.'
"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 630.
13.
While the once "faithful city"
goes further and further into evil,
what will God do for His own? What
will God purge away? Isa. 1:21-25.
14.
What promise of restoration
and redemption is made? Isa. 1:26, 27.
[6
l
Lesson 2, for January 14, 1956
Rebuke and Triumph of Zion
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 3:14-26; 4.
MEMORY VERSE:
"In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious,
and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are
escaped of Israel." Isa. 4:2.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Prophets and Kings," pages
323, 324; "Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Isaiah, chapters 3, 4.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
survey of Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps as-
signment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Daughters of Zion Rebuked
1.
Haughtiness and display. Isa. 3:16.
2.
The smiting of the Lord. Isa.
3:17-26.
3.
Paul's instruction about dress.
1 Tim. 2:9, 10.
4.
Women seek to remove their
re-
proach.
Isa. 4:1.
II. Deliverance Through the Branch
5.
A glorious Branch. Isa. 4:2.
6.
A holy remnant. Isa. 4:3, first part.
7. Written among the living. Isa. 4:3,
last part.
III. A Cleansed People
8. Washing away the filth of Zion.
Isa. 4:4.
9. The refiner's fire. Mal. 3:1-3.
10. Enduring the devouring fire. Isa.
33:14-17.
IV. The Protecting Pillar
11. Israel led by pillar of fire and cloud.
Ex. 13:21.
12. God's people find refuge. Isa. 4:5, 6.
13. God is a present help in trouble.
Ps. 46:1-7.
14. Safety under the shadow of the Al-
mighty. Ps. 91:1-7.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The lesson deals with two classes in Zion
under the figure of daughters. The one is
the light, frivolous, clothes-conscious kind,
who, on the eve of destruction, are more
interested in what they should wear than in
what they should be. The third chapter of.
Isaiah deals with these.
7
The other daughters are those who are
getting ready to meet their Lord. These God
will cleanse and purge. When the destruc-
tion comes, as it will to all the world, they
have a sure refuge.
The emphasis of the lesson should be
on the fourth chapter and the preparation
needed to meet the approval of God.
The Daughters of Zion Rebuked
1.
What controversy does God have
with the daughters of Zion? Isa. 3:16.
NorE.—"The prophecy of Isaiah 3 was
presented before me as applying to these
last days, and the reproofs are given to the
daughters of Zion who have thought only
of appearance and
display."—Testimonies,
vol.
1, p. 270.
2.
What does the Lord say will be-
come of the artificialities of the daugh-
ters of Zion? Isa. 3:17-26.
NorE.—"Only a few short years, and the
ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel were to
be scattered among the nations of heathen-
dom. And in the kingdom of Judah also the
outlook was dark. The forces for good were
rapidly diminishing, the forces for evil multi-
plying."—Prophets and Kings,
page 324.
Conditions in the world today are not
unlike those in the time of Isaiah. We are
standing before the event of the ages, and
we, the sons of Zion as well as the daughters
of Zion, should be deeply concerned. The
rebuke which God administered then is ap-
plicable today. We are not to think that the
women are sinners above the men. All are
guilty before God and should take warning.
3.
What instruction does Paul in
the New Testament give about dress?
1 Tim. 2:9, 10.
4.
From the practice of some.
women what spiritual and prophetic
lessons may be drawn? Isa. 4:1.
NOTE.—In view of the setting of the text
and in the light of what follows, we believe
that there is a spiritual and prophetic appli-
cation of this text apart from the literal one.
"Woman" in the Bible is used as a symbol of
a church. Rev. 12:1, 2; 17:3; 19:7-9; 21:9.
By parity of reason, a good woman would
symbolize the church of God; a bad woman,
the apostate church. The seven women here
are not above reproach. They are willing to
enter into an unholy alliance, being desirous
of having a name presumably for their ex-
pected offspring.
Deliverance Through the Branch
5.
How does the prophet speak of
the Branch of the Lord? Isa. 4:2.
NorE.—Christ is called the Branch in sev-
eral places in the Scriptures. See Isa. 11:1;
Jer. 23:5; Zech. 3:8; 6:12, 13.
Christ said: "I am the Vine, ye are the
branches." John 15:5. As Isaiah is about to
discuss the children of God and their ex-
periences, he refers to them as "the branch of
the Lord." They are presented in contrast
to the women mentioned in chapter 3, and
also the women spoken of in chapter 4:1.
They are the remnant, the chosen of God
who will pass through the trials of the last
days, including the seven last plagues, and
will come forth victorious.
6.
What is said of those who are
left in Zion and who remain in Je-
rusalem? Isaiah 4:3, first part.
NOTE.—In the shaking time many will be
shaken out. These, with others who have
apostatized, will have no part in the cleans-
ing when God begins His work in the church.
It is not those who are outside the church
that come into the reckoning at this time,
but those that are left, those that remain in
the church. Let all have this in mind. Yet,
strange to say, there are among those outside
the church such as would gladly reform the
church. But God will not use apostates or
critics. God has means within the church for
its purification.
Everyone that remains "shall be called
holy." They are called holy because they
are holy. For those that remain, the rem-
nant, God will do a special work of grace.
When He has finished His work with them,
they will be holy.
7.
How are those who are left in
Zion further described? Isa. 4:3, last
part.
[ 8
3
NOTE.—There may be a special signifi-
cance to the phrase, "written among the
living."
When God set out to cleanse the apostolic
church of dishonest and untruthful mem-
bers, some who refused to repent were car-
ried out dead. (Read the story of Ananias
and Sapphira in Acts 5.) This experience
brought great fear "upon all the church, and
upon as many as heard these things. . . .
And of the rest durst no man join himself
to them." Acts 5:11, 13.
When God shall cleanse His church at this
time, getting His people ready for transla-
tion, the story of Ananias and Sapphira may
give point to the expression that those who
remain "among the living in Jerusalem" will
be called holy.
A Cleansed People
8.
How will God accomplish the
cleansing? Isa. 4:4.
NOTE.—God will wash away all filth. That
which cannot be removed by washing, He
will remove by the spirit of judgment and
the spirit of burning. God will have a clean
people and will use whatever means are
necessary to effect the cleansing.
9.
How does Malachi describe the
process of cleaning? Mal. 3:1-3.
NoTE.—Refiner's fire is hot fire. This is
needed to clear away the dross. Fuller's soap
was used in washing the wool to remove
impurities.
10.
Who shall be able to endure
the devouring fire and the everlasting
burnings? What will be the reward
of such? Isa. 33:14-17.
The Protecting Pillar
11.
When God brought Israel out
of Egypt, how did He lead them? Ex.
1 3:2 1.
12.
What will the Lord do for His
remnant people? Isa. 4:5, 6.
NoTE.—This will find its fulfillment in the
last crisis. "In one of the most beautiful and
comforting passages of Isaiah's prophecy,
reference is made to the pillar of cloud and
of fire to represent God's care for His people
in the great final struggle with the powers of
evil."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 283.
13.
What assurance is given God's
people in the time of trouble? Ps.
46:1-7.
14.
What further does the psalmist
say about the security afforded by the
protecting "shadow of the Almighty"?
Ps. 91:1-7.
NOTE.—"The eye of God, looking down
the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which His
people are to meet, when earthly powers
shall be arrayed against them. Like the cap-
tive exile, they will be in fear of death by
starvation or by violence. But the Holy One
who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will
manifest His mighty power and turn their
captivity. 'They shall be Mine, saith the
Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up
My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man
spareth his own son that serveth him.' If
the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were
9
shed at this time, it would not, like the blood
of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a -
harvest for God. Their fidelity would not be
a testimony to convince others of the truth;
for the obdurate heart has beaten back the
waves of mercy until they return no more.
If the righteous were now left to fall a prey
to their enemies, it would be a triumph for
the prince of darkness. . . . [See Ps. 27:5 ;
Isa. 26:20, 21.1 Glorious will be the deliver-
ance of those who have patiently waited for
His coming, and whose names are written in
the book of
life."-The Great Controversy,
page 634.
Lesson 3, for January 21, 1956
The Vineyard of the Lord; A Vision of God
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 5 and 6.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send,
and who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isa. 6:8.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Prophets and Kings," intro-
ductory chapter, pages 303-310; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 284-306
(new ed., pp. 287-311); "Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Isaiah,
chapters 5, 6.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4, 5.
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
of Wednesday: Questions 10-15.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps as-
signment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
The Lord's Vineyard
1.
The care and fruit of the vineyard.
Isa. 5:1, 2.
2.
God's appeal for judgment. Isa.
5:3, 4.
3.
The desolated vineyard. Isa. 5:5-7.
4.
Christ's parable of the vineyard.
Matt. 21:33-40.
5.
Condemnation of the Jews. Matt.
21:41.
II. Visions of God
6.
Isaiah's vision. Isa. 6:1.
7.
Description of seraphim. Isa. 6:2.
8.
The holy chorus. Isa. 6:3. Compare
Rev. 4:8.
9.
The effect. Isa. 6:4. Compare Acts
2:1-4.
III. The Prophet's Reaction
10.
"Woe is me." Isa. 6:5.
11.
The live coal-sin purged. Isa. 6:6, 7.
12.
The call and the response. Isa. 6:8.
13.
The commission and the message.
Isa. 6:9, 10.
14.
How long? Isa. 6:11, 12.
15.
The promised remnant. Isa. 6:13.
THE LESSON
Introduction
people to bring forth good fruit, but, behold,
The first part of the lesson deals with the they brought forth "wild grapes." Some of
Lord's vineyard. The Lord expected His these wild grapes .are mentioned in the latter
[
10]
part of chapter 5 under the six woes there
discussed.
The second part of the lesson deals with
the vision which Isaiah had of Jehovah.
This was the great decisive event in Isaiah's
life. It settled his career, his destiny. He had
seen the Lord ; his lips had been touched
with coals from off the altar. From now on
they were to be dedicated wholly to the
Lord.
He now offered himself willingly for serv-
ice, and the Lord instructed him what to say
to the people and also told him that they
would not understand nor accept the mes-
sage. Yet his work was not to be fruitless.
There would be left a tenth, a "holy seed,"
which should be as the stump of a sturdy
oak that still retains its life and will survive.
This thought of a remnant buoyed him in
days of discouragement. Isaiah refers to a
remnant again and again. God's work would
not be a failure. A remnant should be saved.
The Lord's Vineyard
1. What disappointing results are
expressed in the song of the vineyard?
Isa. 5:1, 2.
2.
How does God appeal to the
people? Isa. 5:3, 4.
3.
Because of Israel's failure, what
does God say He will do to His vine-
yard? Isa. 5:5-7.
Nom.—"God in His Son had been seeking
fruit, and had found none. Israel was a
cumberer of the ground. Its very existence
was a curse; for it filled the place in the
vineyard that a fruitful tree might fill. It
robbed the world of the blessings that God
designed to give. The Israelites had mis-
represented God among the nations. They
were not merely useless, but a decided hin-
drance. To a great degree their religion was
misleading, and wrought ruin instead of sal-
vation."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 215.
4.
In Christ's parable of the vine-
yard how did the husbandmen treat
the messengers and the son who were
sent to them? Matt. 21:33-40.
Nom.—"As the Lord's vineyard they were
to produce fruit altogether different from
that of the heathen nations. These idolatrous
peoples had given themselves up to work
wickedness. . . . In marked contrast was to
be the fruit borne on the vine of God's
planting.
"It was the privilege of the Jewish nation
to represent the character of God as it had
been revealed to Moses. In answer to the
prayer of Moses, 'Show me Thy glory,' the
Lord promised, will make all My goodness
pass before thee.' Exodus 33:18, 19. 'And
the Lord passed by before him, and pro-
claimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful
and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant
in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgres-
sion and sin.' Exodus 34:6, 7. This was the
fruit that God desired from His people. In
the purity of their characters, in the holiness
of their lives, in their mercy and loving-
kindness and compassion, they were to show
that 'the law of the Lord is perfect, convert-
ing the
soul.' "—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 285, 286. Compare Christ's parable,
Matt. 21:33-44. See also Isa.
27:2,
3.
5.
What judgment did the Jews
pronounce upon themselves? Matt.
21:41.
Visions of God
6.
In the year that King Uzziah
died, what vision came to Isaiah?
Isa. 6:1.
7.
What description is given of the
seraphim? Isa. 6:2.
Nom.—The seraphim are an exalted order
of angels that stand above or around the
throne. The cherubim are another order,
mentioned in Ezekiel, chapters 1 and 10.
"Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the
temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn,
and he [Isaiah] was permitted to gaze
WHEN
GOD CALLS,
CONSECRATED
WORKERS REPLY,.HERE AM 1;
SENO
within, upon the holy of holies, where even
the prophet's feet might not enter. There
rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sit-
ting upon a throne high and lifted up, while
the train of His glory filled the temple. On
each side of the throne hovered the seraphim,
their faces veiled in adoration, as they min-
istered before their Maker, and united in the
solemn invocation, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the
Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His
glory,' until post and pillar and cedar gate
seemed shaken with the sound, and the house
was filled with their tribute of praise."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 307.
8.. What was their exalted refrain?
Isa. 6:3. Compare with Rev. 4:8.
9.
How did the tribute of praise
affect the very building? With what
was the house filled? Isa. 6:4. Com-
pare with the apostles' experience on
the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4.
The Prophet's Reaction
10.
How did this view of God's
holiness and glory affect the prophet?
Isa. 6:5.
NOTE.—"As
Isaiah beheld this revelation
of the glory and majesty of his Lord, he was
overwhelmed with a sense of the purity and
holiness of God. How sharp the contrast
between the matchless perfection of his
Creator, and the sinful course of those
who, with himself, had long been numbered
among the chosen people of Israel and
Judah! Woe is me!' he cried; 'for I am
undone; because I am a man of unclean
lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of
unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the
King, the Lord of hosts.'
"—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 307, 308.
11.
How did the Lord bring cleans-
ing to the prophet in the midst of his
vision? Isa. 6:6, 7.
NoTE.—"Standing, as it were, in the full
light of the divine presence within the inner
sanctuary, he realized that if left to his own
imperfection and inefficiency, he would be
utterly unable to accomplish the mission to
which he had been called. But a seraph was
sent to relieve him of his distress, and to fit
him for his great mission. A living coal from
the altar was laid upon his lips, with the
words, To, this hath touched thy lips; and
thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin
purged.' Then the voice of God was heard
saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go
for Us?' and Isaiah responded, 'Here am I;
send me.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
page 308.
12.
To what call was Isaiah now
ready to respond? Isa. 6:8.
13.
What shows the obstinacy of
the people to whom Isaiah was sent?
Isa. 6:9, 10.
NoTE.—"It is not God that blinds the eyes
of men or hardens their hearts. He sends
them light to correct their errors, and to lead
them in safe paths; it is by the rejection
of this light that the eyes are blinded and
the heart hardened."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 322.
14.
As the prophet asks, "How
long?" what answer is given? Isa.
6:11, 12.
15. What hope is given the
prophet? Isa. 6:13.
NOTE.
-"The
evils that had been multi-
plying for many generations could not be
removed in his day. Throughout his lifetime
he must be a patient, courageous teacher,-a
prophet of hope as well as of doom. The
divine purpose finally accomplished, the full
fruitage of his efforts, and of the labors of all
God's faithful messengers, would appear. A
remnant should be saved. . . .
"The Promised Land was not to remain
wholly forsaken forever. . . . This assurance
[verse 13] of the final fulfillment of God's
purpose brought courage to the heart of
Isaiah."-Prophets and Kings,
pages 309,
310.
Lesson 4, for January 28, 1956
The Government of God Established in Righteousness,
Peace, and Joy
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Isaiah 9:6, 7; 11; 12.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for
the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation."
Isa. 12:2.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Isaiah, chapters 9, 11, 12.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
of Wednesday: Questions 11-15.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps
signment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
as-
5.
The rod from the stem of Jesse.
Isa. 11:1.
6.
The spirit of discernment. Isa. 11:2.
[13
1
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Pre-eminent Son
1.
"Unto us a child is born." Isa. 9:6,
first part.
2.
His significant names. Isa. 9:6, last
part.
3.
His kingdom established. Isa. 9:7,
first part.
4.
Foundation principles of His king-
dom. Isa. 9:7, last part.
II. The Branch
7. Jeremiah's reference to the Right-
eous Branch. Jer. 23:5, 6.
8. Judging in righteousness. Isa. 11:3-5.
III. The Coming Kingdom
9. Peaceful conditions. Isa. 11:6-9.
10. An Ensign for the people. Isa. 11:10.
11. Gathering of the remnant. Isa. 11:
11, 12.
12. Deliverance from the enemy. Isa.
11:13-16.
IV. In That Day
13. Praise for anger turned away. Isa.
12:1,2.
14. Water from wells of salvation. Isa.
12:3.
15. Songs of praise. Isa. 12:4-6.
THE LESSON
written, 'The government shall be upon His
shoulder,' is the Wonderful Counselor."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 363.
"Christ, the Word, the Only Begotten of
God, was one with the eternal Father,—one
in nature, in character, in purpose,—the only
being that could enter into all the counsels
and purposes of God
And the Son of
God declares concerning Himself: 'The Lord
possessed Me in the beginning of His way,
before His works of old. I was set up from
everlasting. . . . When He appointed the
foundations of the earth, then I was by Him,
as one brought up with Him ; and I was
daily His delight, rejoicing always before
Him."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 34.
In the counsels of eternity Christ was
present, and even at that time He was a
Wonderful Counselor. He is the same today.
Mighty God.
There are some who would
belittle Christ and make Him a created be-
ing. Such have no conception of the dishonor
they thus heap upon Him. Christ is God, He
is "mighty God."
The Everlasting Father.
To make even
more sure that Christ is accorded the honor
of Godhood, He is here called the Everlast-
ing Father. This gives Christ the honor of
equality with the Father Himself. The two
are one, in honor, in character, in purpose,
but not in person. Christ Himself says, "All
men should honor the Son even as they
honor the Father." John 5:23. If Christ
were not God, and God in the highest sense,
this would be the highest blasphemy.
The Prince of Peace.
At the birth of Christ
the angels sang, "Glory to God in the high-
est, and on earth peace, good will toward
men." Luke 2:14. Christ came to bring
peace to earth among men and nations, but
mostly to bring peace to troubled souls,
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I
unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.
3. What was indicated as to the
nature of His reign? Isa. 9:7, first part.
Introduction
"Darkness, distress, anguish, and gloom
will be dispelled and God's glorious light will
take its place in the world,
for
the gift of
heaven to earth is to come in the person of
a holy Child. What a transformation His
coming is to make! Even Isaiah at the
distance of seven hundred years is able to
describe something of the glory of it. Divine
wisdom, divine might, divine fatherhood,
and divine peace are to come as a result of
His reign on the earth. These four pairs of
names for the Messiah emphasize His di-
vinity. The coming King is wise, is mighty,
is to be a guardian of His people, and will
bring into the world a heavenly peace."—
Kyle M. Yates,
Preaching From the Proph-
ets,
page 93.
The Pre-eminent Son
1.
In what words was the hope of
the Messiah set forth? Isa. 9:6, first
part. Compare Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-28.
NOTE.—"It was Satan's purpose to bring
about an eternal separation between God
and man; but in Christ we become more
closely united to God than if we had never
fallen. . . . To assure us of His immutable
counsel of peace, God gave His only-begot-
ten Son to become one of the human family,
forever to retain His human nature. This is
the pledge that God will fulfill His word.
'Unto
us
a child is born, unto
us
a son is
given: and the government shall be upon
his shoulder.' God has adopted human na-
ture in the person of His Son, and has
carried the same into the highest heaven."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 25.
2.
By what significant names is He
called? Isa. 9:6, last part.
NoTE.—Wonderful Counselor.
The Author-
ized Version separates these two words, oth-
ers place them together. As there is nothing
in the original to settle this question, we
may feel free to follow our choice. Christ is
wonderful, however considered. He is also
a wonderful counselor. "He of whom it is
NorE.—When Satan's rule is over, God's
government will be infinitely extended, not
only throughout the earth but also to the
illimitable reaches of the universe.
[ 14 3
CHRIST IS AN ENSIGN,
A RALLYIN
G
POINT,
FOR THE FAITHFUL.
4.
Upon what principles were
the throne and the kingdom to be
founded? Verse 7, last part.
NoTE.—"Order," the word here used, is
not found, in the original Hebrew, elsewhere
in the Old Testament. It signifies to set
up, erect, "stand perpendicular," confirm,
fasten, set right. "Established" here means
to strengthen, to support, to hold up.
These words reveal the plan which God
had in mind from the beginning, but which
has been "kept in silence through times
eternal." Rom. 16:25, R.V. The government
shall rest on the shoulders of Christ, and He
will establish and order that which is to be.
The Branch
5.
What was to issue from the stem
of Jesse? Isa. 11:1.
NoTE.—Jesse was the name of David's
father. 1 Sam. 17:12. Christ, therefore, was
of the house of David. Luke 1:32.
6.
What spiritual discernment
would He possess? Isa. 11:2.
7.
How does Jeremiah refer to this
Righteous Branch? Jer. 23:5, 6.
8.
In what words does Isaiah fur-
ther describe the principles of the
Lord's government? Isa. 11:3-5.
NOTE.—
"
Quick
understanding" does not
merely mean a ready grasp of a problem, but
rather an understanding of the underly
ing
causes. We may freely come to God. He
understands. He is not led astray by ap-
pearances or by words. He can see through
a situation, and He is ready with the counsel
and help.
The Coming Kingdom
9.
What is said of conditions in the
coming kingdom? Isa. 11:6-9.
10.
What shall the root of Jesse be
in "that day"? Isa. 11:10.
11.
What closing work is to be
accomplished in all the earth? Isa.
11:11, 12.
NoTE.—The "first" deliverance of His
people was from Egypt at the Exodus. The
"second" deliverance of His people referred
to here in Isaiah 11 is their restoration from
captivity in Assyria, Media, and Babylonia.
This we may see as a "type and assurance"
of the final deliverance at the second coming.
12.
At that time what will become
of envy and jealousy? Against whom
will they use their united strength?
Isa. 11:13-16.
NoTE.—There should never at any time be
envy or jealousy among God's people. Such
not only causes dissension among the breth-
ren, but it also effectively hinders the out-
pouring of the Spirit. It was when the
disciples "were all with one accord in one
place" that Pentecost came. Acts 2:1. We
must be a united people or we shall fail.
[151
In That Day
15. In what words will the saints
express their praise? Isa. 12:4-6..
13. What will God's people say in
"that day"? Isa. 12:1, 2.
Nora.—"That day" is the same day as is
referred to in the latter part of chapter 11.
It is a day of praise and thanksgiving when
the people of God experience the joy and
peace that come with harmony and love
among the brethren, and the assurance that
the day of deliverance is at hand. God has
been angry with them because of their luke-
warmness and indifference, but His anger is
now turned away, and He has become their
strength and salvation.
14. What will the people do joy-
fully? Isa. 12:3.
NOTE.—"Let him that heareth say, Come;
and whosoever will, let him come. Let every
soul, women as well as men, sound this
message. Then the work will be carried to
the waste places of the earth. The scripture
will be fulfilled: In that day the Lord shall
open fountains in the valleys, and 'rivers in
the desert,' and 'with joy shall ye draw water
out of the wells of salvation.' Isa. 41:18;
43:19, 20; 12
:3."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 86.
NOTE.—"At the time of Hezekiah's acces-
sion to the throne of Judah, the Assyrians
had already carried captive a large number
of the children of Israel from the northern
kingdom; and a few years after he had
begun to reign, and while he was still
strengthening the defenses of Jerusalem, the
Assyrians besieged and captured. Samaria,
and scattered the ten tribes among the many
provinces of the Assyrian realm. The bor-
ders of Judah were only a few miles distant,
with Jerusalem less than fifty miles away;
and the rich spoils to be found within the
temple would tempt the enemy to return.
"But the king of Judah had determined
to do his part in preparing to resist the
enemy; and having accomplished all that
human ingenuity and energy could do, he
had assembled his forces, and had exhorted
them to be of good courage. 'Great is the
Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee,' had
been the message of the prophet Isaiah to
Judah; and the king with unwavering faith
now declared, 'With us is the Lord our God
to help us, and to fight our battles.'
"—
Prophets and Kings,
page 351.
Lesson 5, for February 4, 1956
The Day of the Lord; The Refuge of the Remnant
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Isaiah 13; 24; 25.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have
waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him,
we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." Isa. 25:9.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Isaiah, chapters 13, 14, 25.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of Tuesday: Questions 6-10.
the lesson.
Wednesday: Questions 11-16.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read Study Helps assignment.
Monday: Questions 4, 5.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
[
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A Time of Destruction
1.
The day of the Lord described. Isa.
13:6-9.
2.
Testimony of Zephaniah. Zeph.
1:14-18.
3.
Signs in the heavens. Isa. 13:10.
Compare Matt. 24:29.
4.
The earth laid waste. Isa. 13:11, 13 ;
24:1, 3, 4. Compare Jer. 4:23-28.
5.
Reasons for judgments of God. Isa.
24:5, 6.
6.
Results in the "cities of confusion."
Isa. 24:7-12.
II. The Remnant
7. Gleaned from among the peoples.
Isa. 24:13, 14.
8. Glorifying the Lord in the midst of
trouble. Isa. 24:15, 16.
III. The Wicked
9. The despair of the wicked. Isa. 24:
17, 18.
10. The end of this world. Isaiah 24:
19, 20.
11. The wicked during the millennium.
Isa. 24:21, 22.
12. The new earth and New Jerusalem.
Isa. 24:23.
IV. God
a Refuge and Strength
13. A refuge from the storm. Isa. 25:1-4.
14. A feast of fat things. Isa. 25:6, 7.
15. Death swallowed up in victory. Isa. „
25:8.
16. Rejoicing in His salvation. Isa. 25:9.
THE LESSON
NoTE.-The signs in the sun, moon, and
13
stars are the same as those mentioned 3/ the
Lord in Matthew 24. The sun was darkened
in accord with this prophecy May 19, 1780;
the moon the following night; and the great
sign of the falling of the stars took place
November 13, 1833.
4. What terrible destruction will
God bring upon the world? What
punishment will come to the wicked?
Isa. 13:11, 13; 24:1, 3, 4. Compare
Jer. 4:23-28.
Introduction
Amos says: "Shall not the day of the Lord
be darkness, and not light? even very dark,
and no brightness in it?" Amos 5:20. Joel
calls it "a day of darkness and of gloominess,
a day of clouds and of thick darkness." Joel
2.:2. Isaiah agrees with this, but he knows
that a remnant will be saved.
A Time of Destruction
1. What description is given by
Isaiah of the day of the Lord? What
will be the effect upon mankind? Isa.
13:6-9.
2.
How is the clay of the Lord
spoken of by Zephaniah? Zeph. 1:
14-18.
NoTE.-The day of the Lord will come as
a day of deliverance to the people of God,
but to the wicked it will be a day of wrath
and fierce anger.
3.
What is said of the stars, the
sun, and the moon? Isa. 13:10. See
also Matt. 24:29.
NOTE.-"The
whole earth appears like a
desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and
villages destroyed by the earthquake, up-
rooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the
sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scat-
tered over its surface, while vast caverns
mark the spot where the mountains have
been rent from their foundations."-The
Great Controversy,
page 657.
5. Why will this destruction come?
Isa. 24:5, 6.
NoTE.-God's charge against the people
is that "they have transgressed the laws,
17 ]
I
II
r
WE THANK
OUR
FATHER TOO LITTLE:
-
itw//,
LET
GODS
PEOPLE PRAISE HIM.
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changed the ordinance, broken the everlast-
ing covenant." This charge is true today.
The laws of God and of men are lightly
regarded, crime and violence are alarmingly
increasing, and the everlasting covenant is
broken.
6.
What is the result of this destruc-
tion? Isa. 24:7-12.
NOTE.—God will speak in ways that can-
not be misunderstood. When the earth shall
be given over to desolation, the merry-
hearted will sigh, the harp and the song will
cease, all joy will be darkened, and there will
be no mirth. Men are now pleasure mad;
but when the cities are broken down and
destruction reigns, there will be sorrow and
anguish. How significant is the expression,
"city of confusion"!
The Remnant
7.
What will be the experience of
the remnant? Isa. 24:13, 14.
NoTE.—In the midst of these calamities,
as when an olive tree is shaken, or as when
grapes are gathered, there are a few still left,
so a remnant will remain. But many will be
shaken out. It is vitally important to be so
rooted and grounded in the truth, so firmly
anchored to eternal verities, that nothing can
shake us. All that can be shaken will be
shaken.
8.
Whence will come a song of
praise? Isa. 24:15, 16.
NOTE.—While all things earthly are pass-
ing away, God's people will remain calm
and composed. Mountains may be cast into
the sea, the earth may shake, but they are
firmly anchored to the Rock of Ages. But
let no one be deceived. Only those who are
prepared will stand. And it will be too late
to attempt to get ready when the world is
collapsing. Now is the accepted time.
The Wicked
9.
What is revealed concerning the
hopeless condition of the wicked? Isa.
24:17, 18.
NoTE.—Fear and panic shall seize the
wicked. As they flee, some will be caught in
the snare, some in the pit. And should they
escape from one, they will fall into another.
"For the windows from on high are open."
This is an expression similar to the one in
Malachi where God is said to open the win-
dows of heaven to pour out a blessing. Here
He pours out the vials of His wrath.
10.
What happens to this old earth?
Isa. 24:19, 20.
11.
What is done with the wicked?
Isa. 24:21, 22.
NOTE.—"The high ones that are on high,"
as contrasted with the kings of earth, are the
angels that fell, including Satan. The pit and
the prison into which they will be shut up is
the devastated earth. Rev. 20:1. "Many
days" has reference to the thousand years.
"At the close of the thousand years the
second resurrection will take place. Then
the wicked will be raised from the dead and
appear before God for the execution of 'the
judgment written.' . . . And Isaiah declares,
concerning the wicked: 'They shall be gath-
E
18
ered together, as prisoners are gathered in
the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison,
and
after many days shall they be visited.' "
—The Great Controversy,
page 661.
12.
What new-earth conditions are
brought to view? Isa. 24:23.
NOTE.—When the new kingdom is estab-
lished, the glory will be so great that the
sun• and the moon will pale in comparison,
or, as the text expresses it, "be confounded"
and "ashamed." See Rev. 22:5.
God a Refuge and Strength
13.
During this time of distress
and destruction what has God been
to His people? Isa. 25:1-4.
NOTE.—Notice particularly verse 4. Dur-
ing the raging of the elements, during the
time of persecution, God has been near and
protected His own.
14.
What will God do "in this
mountain"? What will He destroy?
Isa. 25:6, 7.
NOTE.—"A feast of fat things." We take
this to be a spiritual experience. And what
a wonderful thing it will be when Christ
Himself shall open to us the things that
formerly seemed dark!
Then the veil that has been over all na-
tions shall be removed, and the covering cast
off, and we shall see, in all things, God's
purpose that before was dark and hidden.
15.
What threefold assurance does
God give to His people? Isa. 25:8.
NOTE.—" 'They shall call them, The holy
people, The redeemed of the Lord.' He hath
appointed 'to give unto them beauty for
ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the.
garment of praise for the spirit of heavi-
ness.' Isa. 62:12 ; 61:3. They are no longer
feeble, afflicted, scattered, and oppressed.
Henceforth they are to be ever with the
Lord. They stand before the throne clad in
richer robes than the most honored of the
earth have ever worn. They are crowned
with diadems more glorious than were ever
placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs.
The days of pain and weeping are forever
ended. The King of glory has wiped the
tears from all faces; every cause of grief has
been removed."—The
Great Controversy,
page 650.
16.
What shall be said in that day?
Isa. 25:9.
Noza.—"Those who would have destroyed
Christ and His faithful people now witness
the glory which rests upon them. In the
midst of their terror they hear the voices of
the saints in joyful strains exclaiming: `Lo,
this is our God; we have waited for Him,
and He will save us.'
"—The Great Contro-
versy,
page 644.
FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in
the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian,
German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian,
Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-
national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any
of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates.
[ 19 ]
Lesson 6, for February 11, 1956
The Trials and Triumph of God's People; The New Earth
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 26 and 35.
MEMORY VERSE: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:3.
STUDY HELPS: Lesson Helps in
"Review
and Herald;" "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 593-602; "The Great Controversy," pages 635-642, 672-678 (new ed.
pp. 717-724, 755-762); "Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Isaiah,
chapters 26, 35.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Read Study Helps assignment.
Friday:
Review the entire lesson.
Introduction
In the midst of all the destruction of the
last days, God's people will have a song of
trust and confidence. All things earthly will
fail, the world itself will reel and be dis-
solved, but with faith God's people exclaim:
"We have a strong city." They have not
been perfect, but they have made God their
trust, and all is well.
Confidence and Trust
1. What song will be sung "in that
day"? To whom will the gates be
opened? Isa. 26:1, 2. See Rev. 22:14.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Confidence and Trust
1.
A song of assurance. Isa. 26:1, 2.
2.
Peace of mind. Isa. 26:3, 4.
3.
Waiting on the Lord. Isa. 26:8, 9,
first part.
4.
Purpose of God's judgments. Isa.
26:9 (last part), 10-12; Eph. 2:10.
II. Triumphant in Trouble
5. The Lord wrought for us against the
wicked. Isa. 26:12-14.
6.
"Thy dead men shall live." Isa.
26:19.
7.
Blessed invitation to God's people.
Isa
.
. 26:20, 21.
III. The Joyous Reward of the Redeemed
8.
The desert blossoms as the rose.
Isa. 35:1.
9.
Rejoicing with joy and singing. Isa.
35:2.
10.
Assurance of recompense. Isa.
35:3, 4.
11.
Changed conditions. Isa. 35:5-7.
12.
The way of holiness. Isa. 35:8, 9.
13.
The ransomed of the Lord. Isa.
35:10.
THE LESSON
2. Through all the struggles and
turmoils of the last days, what may
God's people possess? Isa. 26:3, 4.
NOTE.
-"Those
who take Christ at His
word, and surrender their souls to His keep-
ing, their lives to His ordering, will find
peace and quietude. Nothing of the world
can make them sad when Jesus makes them
glad by His presence. In perfect acquies-
cence there is perfect rest.... Our lives may
seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves
[ 20
to the wise Master Worker, He will bring
out the pattern of life and character that
will be to His own glory. And that charac-
ter which expresses the glory—character--
of Christ will be received into the Paradise
of God. A renovated race shall walk with
Him in white, for they are worthy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 331.
3.
What will characterize those
who are waiting for the Lord? Isa.
26:8, 9, first part.
Nom.—The people here spoken of have
been waiting for the Lord. When His judg-
ments were in the earth, they waited. Their
desire was to the name of God and to His
remembrance, or memorial. The American
Revised Version of verse 8 reads: "Yea, in
the way of Thy judgments, 0 Jehovah, have
we waited for Thee; to Thy name, even to
Thy memorial name, is the desire of our
soul." The name of God is His character.
And the remnant people will have the name
of God in their foreheads. Rev. 14:1.
4.
What is the effect of God's judg-
ment upon mankind? What does God
ordain for His own? What has He
done for them? Isa. 26:9 (last part),
10-12; Eph. 2:10.
Nom.—Thus it has ever been. When
God's judgments are in the land, men
humble themselves. They promise to do
right. Verse 9. Let the judgments be taken
away, let the danger pass, and many will
forget all their good intentions. Verse 10.
Triumphant in Trouble
5.
What confession do God's peo-
ple make? What becomes of the
wicked? Isa. 26:12-14.
Nom.—The American Revised Version
reads, "Thou hast also wrought all our
works for us." Verse 12. God works in us
both to will and to do. We can do no good
thing of ourselves. But, says the apostle
Paul, "I have strength for anything through
Him who gives me power." Phil. 4:13,
Weymouth.
6.
What joyful news is proclaimed
concerning those who have died in
the Lord? Isa. 26:19.
7.
When God comes forth to pun-
ish the world, what gracious invita-
tion is given to God's people? Isa.
26:20, 21.
Nom.—"If the blood of Christ's faithful
witnesses were shed at this time, it would
not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed
sown to yield a harvest for God. Their
fidelity would not be a testimony to con-
vince others of the truth; for the obdurate
heart has beaten back the waves of mercy
until they return no more. If the righteous
were now left to fall a prey to their enemies,
it would be a 'triumph for the prince of
darkness. Says the psalmist: 'In the time of
trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in
the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide
me.' Ps. 27:5. Christ has spoken: 'Come,
My people, enter thou into thy chambers,
and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself
as it were for a little moment, until the
indignation be overpast. For, behold, the
Lord cometh out of His place to punish the
inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.'
Isa. 26:20, 21. Glorious will be the deliver-
ance of those who have patiently waited for
His coming and whose names are written in
the book of
life."—The Great Controversy,
page 634.
The Joyous Reward of the
Redeemed
8.
What is said of the wilderness
and the solitary place? Isa. 35:1.
Nom.—This text has reference primarily
to new-earth conditions. However, it may
also have a spiritual application to the pres-
ent as in the following quotation: "There
are places which are now a moral wilderness,
[21
1
GODS REHABILITATION PROGRAM WILL
MAKE A WORN-OUT EARTH TO BLOSSOM
o
AS EDEN IS RESTORED.
and these are to become as the garden of the
Lord. The waste places of the earth are to
be cultivated, that they may bud and blos-
som as the rose. New territories are to be
worked by men inspired by the Holy Spirit.
. The light is to shine to all lands and all
peoples. And it is from those who have
received the light that it is to shine forth.
The daystar has risen upon us, and we are
to flash its light upon the pathway of those
in
darkness."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 24.
"In the transformation of character, the
casting out of evil passions, the development
of the sweet graces of God's Holy Spirit, we
see the fulfillment of the promise, 'Instead of
the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and
instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle
tree.' We behold life's desert 'rejoice, and
blossom as the rose.'
"—Ibid.,
p. 308.
9. In the desert wastes, what
changes are foretold? Isa. 35:2.
NoTE.—The desert "shall blossom abun-
dantly." "Christ delights to take apparently
hopeless material, those whom Satan has
debased and through whom he has worked,
and make them the subjects of His grace.
He rejoices to deliver them from suffering
and from the wrath that is to fall upon the
the disobedient. He makes His children His
agents in the accomplishment of this work,
and in its success, even in this life, they find
a precious
reward."—Testimonies,
vol. 6,
pp. 308, 309.
By "the glory of Lebanon" and "the ex-
cellency of Carmel and Sharon" are without
doubt meant their fruitfulness. In the desert
are no trees or grainfields. But this shall be
changed. Those barren lives that have pro-
duced no fruit shall blossom abundantly.
This seems to be a distinct prophecy of the
times when those lands that have been un-
responsive to the gospel shall be wide open.
"It was concerning the future fulfillment
of this prophecy that Isaiah had heard the
shining seraphim singing before the throne,
The whole earth is full of His glory.' The
prophet, confident of the certainty of these
words, himself afterward boldly declared of
those who were bowing down to images of
wood and stone, 'They shall see the glory
of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.'
"Today this prophecy is meeting rapid
fulfillment. The missionary activities of the
church of God on earth are bearing rich
fruitage, and soon the gospel message will
have been proclaimed to all nations. 'To the
praise of the glory of His grace,' men and
women from every kindred, tongue, and
people are being made 'accepted in the
Beloved,' that in the ages to come He might
show the exceeding riches of His grace in
His kindness toward us through Christ Je-
sus.'
"—Prophets and Kings,
pages 313, 314.
10. What encouraging message is
given to the weak and fearful? Isa.
35:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Angels from
a
pure and holy
heaven come to this polluted world to sym-
pathize with the weakest, the most helpless
and needy, while Christ Himself descended
from His throne to help just such as these.
You have no right to hold yourself aloof
from these faltering ones, nor to assert your
marked superiority over them. Come more
into unison with Christ, pity the erring, lift
up the hands that hang down, strengthen
the feeble knees, and bid the fearful hearts be
strong. Pity and help them, even as Christ
has pitied
you."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 131.
The fearful, the fainthearted, are not to be
despised, but rather encouraged. And this in
view of the fact that Christ is soon coming.
This is to be the keynote of every message:
Christ is coming. He will come with ven-
geance, to punish. He will come with the
recompense, to reward. He will come to
[ 22 ]
save; so be courageous. The Master is at
the door.
11.
What wonderful changes will
take place when the Lord comes? Isa.
35:5-7.
12.
How is the highway of the Lord
and its travelers described? Isa. 35:8, 9.
NoTE.-The American Revised Version of
verse 8 reads: "It shall be for the redeemed,"
rather than, "It shall be for those."
13.
What thrilling experience
awaits the ransomed of the Lord?
Isa. 35:10.
NOTE.-The
picture presented in verse 10
was familiar to all Jews. At the annual
feasts the Israelites would come in groups
from all parts of the land. They would be-
deck themselves and their animals in festive
adornment, and sing as they journeyed
along.
It is with joy that God's redeemed people
shall return to the heavenly Zion. No sor-
row, no sighing, but everlasting joy shall be
theirs. Lord, speed that day !
Lesson 7, for February 18, 1956
.
Behold Your God
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 40.
MEMORY VERSE:
"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs
with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are
with young." Isa. 40:11
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald:" "The Desire of Ages," pages
132-135; "Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Isaiah, chapter 40.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Wednesday: Questions 10-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps assignment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A Voice in the Wilderness
1.
A message of comfort. Isa. 40:1, 2.
2.
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord."
Isa. 40:3-5; Matt. 3:1-3.
3.
Frailty of man-the strength of
God's word. Isa. 40:6-8.
II. Good Tidings
4. Zion, bearer of good tidings. Isa.
40:9.
5.
The vital message. Isa. 40:10.
6.
The gentle shepherd. Isa. 40:11.
Compare John 10:1-16.
7.
The incomprehensible ways of God.
Isa. 40:12-14.
III. God Incomparable
8.
Insignificance of the nations. Isa.
40:15-17.
9.
God contrasted with idols. Isa. 40:
18-20.
10.
Sovereign greatness of God. Isa.
40:21-24.
11.
The Creator's power. Isa. 40:25, 26.
[ 23 ]
IV. The Creator's Watchcare
12. Israel reproved for doubting God's
care. Isa. 40:27.
13.
God assures His people. Isa. 40:
28, 29.
14.
Promise of strength renewed. Isa.
40:30, 31.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The section in Isaiah beginning with chap-
ter 40 is of special interest to God's people at
this time. The believer in the Bible has no
difficulty in seeing Christ portrayed before
his eyes as the suffering Servant of God.
The angel of Revelation 14 calls upon men
to "worship Him that made heaven, and
earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters." Revelation 14:7. This message is
due to the world today, and it constitutes a
direct challenge to modernism and the de-
structive theory of evolution, which is God-
denying in its effect. When we are told to
worship Him that made heaven and earth,
the attention by these words is drawn to the
first chapter of the Bible, where the account
of creation is recorded. The angel calls upon
men to worship the God of the first chapter
of Genesis, the God who created.
While the entire Bible is filled with refer-
ences to God as Creator, Isaiah is the only
one who presents a sustained argument for
creation as opposed to theories which would
dethrone God and deprive Him of His due
glory. When He, therefore, in the chapters
we are about to study, repeatedly calls at-
tention to God as Creator, He is presenting
present truth.
More than a third of the chapters that
remain are concerned with God as the great
Creator. The other two thirds contain some
of the most beautiful and helpful passages
in the entire book of God. They are all of
special interest to God's people at this time.
A Voice in the Wilderness
1. What comforting message does
God send to His people? Isa. 40:1, 2.
Nom—Sin, wherever found, is abhorrent
to God, but doubly so in the case of those
who know the truth. Light brings responsi-
bility. Those who know the truth and still
persist in sin are more guilty than those who
do not have a knowledge of God's message
for this time. For this reason God's people
had received double punishment. But God
does not hate his people any more than the
gardener hates the vine which he prunes.
God loves His people and sends them a mes-
sage. of comfort and love.
2.
What message is proclaimed by
the voice crying in the wilderness?
Who fulfilled this scripture? Isa.
40:3-5; Matt. 3:1-3.
NOTE.—"In this age, just prior to the
second coming of Christ in the clouds of
heaven, such a work as that of John is to be
done. God calls for men who will prepare a
people to stand in the great day of the Lord.
The message preceding the public ministry of
Christ was: 'Repent, publicans and sinners;
repent, Pharisees and Sadducees ; "repent ye:
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."' . . .
"In order to give such a message as John
gave, we must have a spiritual experience
like his. The same work must be wrought in
us. We must behold God, and in beholding
Him lose sight of
self."—Testimonies,
vol. 8,
pp. 332, 333.
3.
In what language does Isaiah
contrast the temporal with the eter-
nal? Isa. 40:6-8.
NorE.—Man and his wisdom shall perish,
but "the word of our God shall stand for-
ever." Men's theories will go down. Their
ideas of future peace and of a millennium
will not bear the test of "the word." It is
well to build on something that will "stand"
when everything else is shaken.
Good Tidings
4.
How is the proclamation of good
tidings made effective? Isa. 40:9.
24
,
Kam.
THE HEAVENS PROCLAIM THAT AN
EVERLASTING CREATOR MADE ALL THINGS.
IOU-
NOTE.—"The children of God are to mani-
fest His glory. In their own life and charac-
ter they are to reveal what the grace of God
has done for them. The light of the Sun
of Righteousness is to shine forth in good
works—in words of truth and deeds of
holiness."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages
415, 416.
5.
What is a vital part of the mes-
sage to be given? Isa. 40:10.
NOTE.—"The Lord God will come." , This
is the advent proclamation, and should be
the keynote of every message. The Lord will
come "with strong hand." He will "rule."
See Ps.
2:8,
9. He will also bring the "re-
ward" with Him. See Rev. 22:12. The Lord
will come to punish and to reward.
6.
Under what beautiful symbol is
Christ presented? How are His love
and care revealed? Isa. 40:11. See also
John 10:1-16.
NorE.—"Christ, the Chief Shepherd, has
entrusted the care of His flock to His min-
isters as undershepherds ; and He bids them
have the same interest that He has mani-
fested, and feel the sacred responsibility of
the charge He has entrusted to them. He has
solemnly commanded them to be faithful, to
feed the flock, to strengthen the weak, to
revive the fainting, and to shield them from
devouring
wolves."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 191.
7.
How does the prophet illustrate
the mighty power of God? What fur-
ther questions are asked? Isa. 40:12-14.
NOTE.—These questions are so put as to
require the negative answer,—No one,—the
strongest way in which such statements can
be placed. The positive would be, God has
not been taught by anyone; no one has
shown Him "the way of understanding."
That is, God is the Original One, the Ulti-
mate One, the Source of all things. There
was none before Him. No one "instructed"
or "taught" Him.
God Incomparable
8.
In comparison to God's om-
nipotence, what is said of the nations?
Isa. 40:15-17.
NoTE.—The dripping of a bucket or a
little dust blown from the scales is not
regarded as great or important. Yet if whole
nations are so counted, how much smaller
must the individual be 1 But puny man sets
himself up against God and attempts to
teach Him ! Such indeed must be counted
by Heaven less than nothing, and vanity.
9.
What shows that it is impossible
to make any comparison to the great
God of heaven? How are idols made?
Isa. 40:18-20.
NoTE.—The inference is plain. God is the
Creator. He has made all things. Idols can-
not create. They themselves must be made.
10.
How is the majesty of God con-
trasted with the rulers of earth? Isa.
40:21-24.
NoTE.—Verse 22 in the American Revised
Version reads, "above the circle of the
earth," and the same version in the margin
26
renders verse 24: "Scarce are they planted,
scarce are they sown, scarce bath their stock
taken root in the earth, when He bloweth
upon them." That is, men hardly begin to
live ere they are taken away.
11.
What are we counseled to do?
How are God's wisdom and power
shown? Isa. 40:25, 26.
NOTE.—"God calls upon His creatures to
turn their attention from the confusion and
perplexity around them, and admire His
handiwork. As we study His works, angels
from heaven will be by our side, to enlighten
our minds, and guard them from Satan's
deceptions. As you look at the wonderful
things that God's hand has made, let your
proud, foolish heart feel its dependence and
inferiority. How terrible it is when the
acknowledgment of God is not made when
it should be made ! How sad to humble one's
self when it is too late
!"—Counsels to Par-
ents, Teachers, and Students,
page 457.
The Creator's Watchcare
12.
What do Jacob and Israel say?
Isa. 40:27.
NoTE.—The complaint of Jacob and Is-
rael seems to be that "my way," that is,
their course and condition of life, is hidden
from the Lord, and that "my judgment" or,
rather, "my right," escapes His notice. It is
really a complaint from the people that God
does not pay enough attention to them, that
He passes them by.
13.
How does God meet the com-
plaint of the people and assure them
of His knowledge and care? Isa.
40:28, 29.
NOTE.—"There is no searching of His un-
derstanding." That is, God knows. You
may think He does not know your perplexi-
ties, or, even worse, that He does not care.
Be assured, dear soul, God knows and He
cares. Your God not only understands, but
He will give you the needed power and will
increase your strength.
"God's workers will meet with turmoil,
discomfort, and weariness. At times, un-
certain and distracted, they are almost in
despair. When this restless nervousness
comes, let them remember Christ's invita-
tion: 'Come ye yourselves apart, . . . and
rest awhile.' The Saviour `giveth power to
the faint; and to them that have no might
He increaseth strength.' Isa.
40:29."—Testi-
monies, vol. 7,
p. 244.
14.
What may be the experience
of the youth? What is noted of them
"that wait upon the Lord"? Isa.
40:30, 31.
Nora.—"Remember that prayer is the
source of your strength. A worker cannot
gain success while he hurries through his
prayers and rushes away to look after some-
thing that he fears may be neglected or for-
gotten. He gives only a few hurried thoughts
to God; he does not take time to think, to
pray, to wait upon the Lord for a renewal
of physical and spiritual strength. He soon
becomes weary. He does not feel the uplift-
ing, inspiring influence of God's Spirit. He
is not quickened by fresh life. His jaded
frame and tired brain are not soothed by
personal contact with
Christ."—Testimo-
nies, vol.
7, p. 243. Read Psalm 27:14.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
The senior
Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are published
each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind upon request.
Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6,
Nebraska.
[26
7
Lesson 8, for February 25, 1956
Jehovah's Challenge to False Gods
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 41.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy
God: I
will
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of My righteousness." Isa. 41:10.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald:" "Prophets and Kings," pages
143-154; "Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Isaiah, chapter 41.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Wednesday: Questions 10-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps assignment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Man From the East
1.
God's challenge to the people. Isa.
41:1-3.
2.
God propounds and answers a ques-
tion. Isa. 41:4.
3.
Mutual encouragement. Isa. 41:5-7.
II. God Assures His People
4.
Fear not, I am with thee. Isa. 41:
8-10.
5.
Their enemies confounded. Isa. 41:
11, 12.
6.
Promise of help renewed. Isa. 41:
13, 14.
7.
Victory over enemies promised. Isa.
41:15, 16.
8.
Promise to poor and needy. Isa.
41:17, 18.
9.
Evidence of the hand of the Lord.
Isa. 41:19, 20.
III. Challenge to the Idols
10.
A test proposed. Isa. 41:21.
11.
Challenged to reveal the future. Isa.
41:22-24.
12.
Cyrus is raised up. Isa. 41:25.
13.
God scorns the futility of false gods.
Isa. 41:26, 28, 29.
14.
Good tidings to Jerusalem. Isa.
41:27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
nations." He will give him rule over kings.
Though this man is not named as yet, he is
"Study the forty-first chapter of Isaiah, without doubt Cyrus, mentioned by name
and strive to understand it in all its signifi-
first in Isaiah 44:28, many years before he
cance."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 39.
was born.
In Isaiah 40 God is presented as the
God gives every man ample ground for
Creator. In this chapter the nations are
faith. In this chapter He says, in substance,
challenged to appear as witnesses to God's
to Israel, "I will foretell the future. By that
foreknowledge. The Lord will tell them you may know that I am God. I challenge
about the future, concerning one who hath the idols to tell what shall come to pass.
been "raised up . . . from the east, whom They cannot do this. When I tell you con-
He calleth in righteousness to His foot." Isa. cerning the man I will raise up and you see
41:2, R.V. God will give this man "the it come to pass, you may know that I am
[
27
]
indeed the true God, the Creator of the
heavens and the earth."
"Islands," literally "coastlands," or lands
bordering on the sea. When the people of
Isaiah's time spoke of "islands" they referred
to "foreign lands."
The Man From the East
1.
How does God address the is-
lands and the people? What questions
does God ask? What would the "man
from the east" do? Isa. 41:1-3.
NOTE.—God calls the nations before Him.
He is about to speak to them, so He asks
them to keep silence. After God has spoken,
"then let them speak."
The sense of these verses may perhaps best
be presented by this paraphrase: "Who hath
raised up one from the east who is always
victorious? Who hath given him authority
over the nations, and made him rule over
kings? His sword drives them like dust, his
bow like chaff before the wind. He pursues
them and marches forward safely and that
so swiftly that he does not tread the path
with his feet."
Cyrus is the "man from the east." See
Introduction.
2.
What question does God pro-
pound? How is God spoken of? Isa.
41:4.
NoTE.—This verse does not say that God
is the first and the last. That indeed is true.
Rev. 1:11. But here it states that God is
with the last. Even as God was in the
beginning, so He will be with His people to
the end, with the last.
3.
How did the people encourage
one another? Isa. 41:5-7.
NoTE.—The prophet is here describing the
condition which would accompany the con-
quests of Cyrus. The islands and the nations
would be afraid; they "drew near," but
not to God. This drawing near probably
has reference to the league between Lydia,
Babylon, and Egypt against Cyrus. Instead
of trusting God, they appeal to their idols,
and decide to make a particularly good and
strong set of gods.
"Well might the words written of the
idol builders of old be, with worthier aim,
adopted as a motto by character builders of
today:—"They helped everyone his neigh-
bor; and everyone said to his brother, Be of
good courage.'
"—Education,
page 286.
God Assures His People
4.
What comforting assurance does
God give to His people? Isa. 41:8-10.
NOTE.—"Abraham My friend"! What a
wonderful designation ! And we are the chil-
dren of Abraham, God's friend. God's peo-
ple will come from the ends of the earth.
They may not
be
perfect, but God has not
cast them away.
5.
What will be the experience of
those who are incensed against God's
people? Isaiah 41:11, 12.
6.
How does the Holy One of Israel
encourage His people? Isa. 41:13, 14.
NOTE.—"The heart of Infinite Love yearns
after those who feel powerless to free them-
selves from the snares of Satan; and He
graciously offers to strengthen them to live
for Him. 'Fear thou not,' He bids them; 'for
I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am
thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will
help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the
right hand of My righteousness.' I the Lord
thy God will hold thy right hand, saying
unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear
not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel;
I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Re-
deemer, the Holy One of Israel.'
"—Proph-
ets and Kings,
page 316.
7.
In what words does the Lord
indicate the triumph of His people
over their enemies? Isa. 41:15, 16.
NOTE.—The time was to come when Israel
should again reign. As the instrument of the
[ 28 ]
IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE
BOOS
PEOPLE .%9U. BE SHIELDED BY HEAVENLY
ANGELS.
Almighty they would thresh the nations
(mountains). A day also lies just ahead
when the Israel of God will no longer be a
savor of life to a rebellious world. No more
will God spare a world in rebellion because
of the righteous remnant. Instead, because
of their rebellion and their oppression of His
people, the vials of His wrath will be poured
upon them. The land will be emptied and
desolate (Rev. 6:14-17; Jer. 4:23-28) like
Babylon of old (Jer. 51:2). But in that day
God's people shall rejoice in Him and "glory
in the Holy One of Israel." See Isa. 25:8, 9.
8. What precious promise does God
give to the poor and the needy? Isa.
41:17, 18.
Nom—This text has a literal application
as well as a spiritual one. Speaking of the
time of trouble, we read in
The Great Con-
troversy,
page 629:
"The people of God will not be free
from suffering; but while persecuted and
distressed, while they endure privation, and
suffer for want of food, they will not be left
to perish. That God who cared for Elijah,
will not pass by one of His self-sacrificing
children. He who numbers the hairs of their
head, will care for them ; and in time of
famine they shall be satisfied. Whiie the
wicked are dying from hunger and pesti-
lence, angels will shield the righteous, and
supply their wants. To him that `walketh
righteously' is the promise, 'Bread shall be
given him ; his waters shall be sure.' When
the poor and needy seek water, and there is
none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I
the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel
will not forsake them.' "
9.
What will God plant in the
wilderness and in the desert? Why
does God do this? Isa. 41:19, 20.
Nom—These trees are of the choicest.
The desert itself shall be transformed into a
grove of stately, beautiful trees. And the
object is that men may see in this a demon-
stration of the creative power of God.
Challenge to the Idols
10.
What does the Lord call upon
the idols of the nations to do? Isa.
41:21.
11.
What does God challenge the
idols to reveal? What does God de-
clare them to be? Isa. 41:22-24.
NorE.—God's challenge is definite, "Show
us the future. Prove your power to predict,
or give any proof of life and activity." See
Jer. 10:5. God's idea of these idols is well
expressed in the margin, "worse than noth-
ing," "worse than of a viper."
12.
Whom does God say He has
raised up? What shall He do to
princes? Isa. 41:25.
Nom—Cyrus is here again introduced.
He is said to have come from the north, also
from the east. In fact, he came from the east,
though all armies from the east came around
the Arabian Desert, and hence attacked
Palestine from the north.
"Call upon My name." The Cambridge
Bible, page 23, makes the following com-
ment: "It is true that in Isaiah 45:4 it is
said that Cyrus had not known Jehovah;
but it is also said (verse 3) that the effect of
his remarkable successes will be 'that thou
mayest know that I am Jehovah that calleth
thee by thy name, the God of Israel.' There
f 29 )
is therefore no difficulty in the idea that
ride false gods? Isa. 41:26, 28, 29.
Cyrus, who was at first the unconscious
instrument of Jehovah's purpose, shall at
length recognize that Jehovah was the true
author of his success."
14. How is the promise of good
tidings to Jerusalem reiterated? Isa.
13. In what words does God de- 41:27.
Lesson 9, for March 3, 1956
The Elect of God, a Light to the Gentiles
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 42.
MEMORY VERSE:
"A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall
He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth." Isa. 42:3.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Prophets and Kings," pages
692-694; "Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," Isaiah, chapter 42.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps assignment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Introduction
The work of Christ is definitely set forth
in this chapter. He is the elect of God, a
term which occurs six times in this portion
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Lord's Servant
1.
God's chosen servant. Isa. 42:1.
2.
His quiet ways. Isa. 42:2.
3.
His gentle dealing. Isa. 42:3.
4.
His resolute purpose. Isa. 42:4.
II. A Light to the Gentiles
5.
The Creator and Sustainer. Isa. 42:5.
6.
Commission to His servant. Isa.
42:6, 7.
7.
His name and glory. Isa. 42:8, 9.
III. Triumph Over Enemies
8.
A new song. Isa. 42:10-12.
9.
Release from long restraint. Isa.
42:13-15.
10.
The shame of worshipers of images.
Isa. 42:17.
11.
Promises to the blind. Isa. 42:16, 18.
12.
Commendable blindness. Isa. 42:
19, 20.
IV. The Law Magnified
13.
Reason for the Lord's pleasure. Isa.
42 : 21.
14.
The law made effective. Heb. 8:
10-13.
THE LESSON
of Isaiah. He is gentle, quiet, compassionate.
He does not come to crush life, but to de-
velop it; not to despise the weak, but to help
them. If there is but a dimly burning wick,
He does not give up hope. He will not stop
[ 30 ]
until the work is accomplished. Many of
the blind shall see the light, and the whole
earth shall praise the Lord.
The Lord's Servant
1.
'What description is given o
God's servant? Isa. 42:1.
Nom.—Christ is the Servant (John 6:38),
sent to do the Father's will. He is the elect
whom the Father has chosen, and whom He
upholds.
"Bring forth judgment." The word "judg-
ment" occurs three times in these first verses,
and may be translated "law ;" but commen-
tators agree that the word is used here in a
larger sense, some rendering the sentence
thus: "He shall carry the true religion to the
Gentiles."
2.
What will be the manner of
Christ's working? Isa. 42:2.
NOTE.—"In marked contrast to all this
[the manner of the Pharisees] was the life
of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation,
no ostentatious worship, no act to gain ap-
plause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid
in God, and God was revealed in the charac-
ter of His Son. To this revelation Jesus
desired the minds of the people to be di-
rected, and their homage to be given."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 261.
3.
What two figures are used to
show Christ's love and tenderness for
the weak? Isa. 42:3, margin.
Nom.—There are few more beautiful pas-
sages in the Bible. The reed may be bruised,
but Christ will not break it. The candle may
burn dimly, but He will not blow it out.
There may not be much strength, the life
may be bruised and broken; there may not
be much light, rather smoke and darkness.
But Christ does not give up hope. His own
light does not burn dimly. By gentle meas-
ures the smoking flax may be fanned into a
flame. His purpose shall not be broken,
and the true religion, shall be extended to all
the earth.
4.
What is Christ's attitude toward
His work? For what do the isles wait?
Isa. 42:4.
Nom.—Christ will not fail, He will not
give up, He will not give way to discourage-
ment nor break under the strain. The margin
of the American Revised Version gives "burn
dimly" instead of "fail," and "bruised" in-
stead of "discouraged."
A Light to the Gentiles
5.
How is the true God revealed?
Isa. 42:5.
Nom.—Again and again the true God is
mentioned as the Creator. Here the reading
really is, Thus saith the God who alone is
truly God.
"That which cometh out of it" probably
refers to all that the earth produces—gold,
silver, and vegetation.
6.
How does God speak of Christ's
appointment and of His work? Isa.
42:6, 7.
7.
What does God set forth as a
reason for His superiority to idols?
Isa. 42:8, 9.
Nom.—The "former things" had all been
fulfilled. The "new things" will as surely
come to pass.
Triumph Over Enemies
8.
What are we exhorted to do?
Who are to sing this song? Isa.
42:10-12.
9.
What is the Lord about to do?
Isa. 42:13-15.
NoTE.—The reason for singing the new
song is given in these verses. God is about
[ 31
N300 DOES NOT WISH NE TO HEAR ALL THAT
IS TO SE HEARD, OR
TO SEE ALL
THAT
IS
TO
SE SEEN: -- Testimonies, mi. I
,
p.
707.
to manifest Himself. The second coming
of Christ is here brought to view. For a
long time God has restrained Himself and
kept still when iniquity raised its ugly head,
but now God will restrain Himself no more.
He will go forth. He will prevail against His
enemies.
10.
What will happen to the wor-
shipers of graven images? Isa. 42:17.
11.
What is God's promise to the
blind? Isa. 42:16, 18.
NOTE.—The blind here must have refer-
ence to the spiritually blind. In
Prophets
and Kings,
page 378, this text is applied to
"all the honest in heart in heathen lands."
There are many who are blind, but honest.
That which seems to them to be darkness
will then be made light, and the crooked
things will be made straight. This should
give us hope for many who apparently are
rejecting light.
12.
How is the attitude of God's
servant to his surroundings revealed?
Isa. 42:19, 20.
NOTE.—"The
work outlined in these scrip-
tures [Isa. 42:16-21] is the work before us.
The terms 'My servant,' Israel,"The Lord's
servant,' mean anyone that the Lord may
select and appoint to do a certain work. He
makes them ministers of His will, though
some who are selected may be as ignorant of
His will as was Nebuchadnezzar."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 138.
"God does not wish us to hear all that is
to be heard, or to see all that is to be seen. It
is a great blessing to close the ears, that we
hear not, and the eyes, that we see not. The
greatest anxiety should be to have clear
eyesight to discern our own shortcomings,
and a quick ear to catch all needed reproof
and instruction, lest by our inattention and
carelessness we let them slip and become
forgetful hearers and not doers of the work."
—Testimonies, vol. 1,
pp. 707, 708.
The Law Magnified
13.
What is the Lord well pleased
to do? Isa. 42:21. Compare Matt.
5:18, 19.
NcrrE.—"The beloved disciple, who lis-
tened to the words of Jesus on the mount,
writing long afterward under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the law as of
perpetual obligation. He says that 'sin is the
transgression of the law,' and that 'whoso-
ever committeth sin transgresseth also the
law.' He makes it plain that the law to
which he refers is 'an old commandment
which ye had from the beginning.' He is
speaking of the law that existed at the
creation, and was reiterated upon Mount
Sinai."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 78.
"It was further prophesied of the Mes-
siah: 'He shall not fail nor be discouraged,
till He bath set judgment in the earth:
and the isles shall wait for His law.' The
Son of God was to 'magnify the law, and
make,it honorable.' He was not to lessen
its importance and binding claims; He was
rather to exalt it. At the same time, He
was to free the divine precepts from those
burdensome exactions placed upon them by
man, whereby many were brought to dis-
couragement in their efforts to serve God
acceptably."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 693.
"The third angel's message, embracing the
messages of the first and second angels, is
the message for this time. We are to raise
aloft the banner on which is inscribed: 'The
[ 32 ]
commandments of God, and the faith of
Jesus.' The world is soon to meet the great
Lawgiver over His broken law. This is not
the time to put out of sight the great issues
before us. God calls upon His people to
magnify the law and make it honorable."—
Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 197.
14. How does God propose to make
the law effective in the life of the
Christian? Heb. 8:10-13.
NOTE.—"So long as heaven and earth con-
tinue, the holy principles of God's law will
remain. His righteousness, 'like the great
Mountains,' will continue, a source of bless-
ing, sending forth streams to refresh the
earth.
"Because the law of the Lord is perfect,
and therefore changeless, it is impossible for
sinful men, in themselves, to meet the stand-
ard of its requirement. This was why Jesus
came as our Redeemer. It was His mission,
by making men partakers of the divine na-
ture, to bring them into harmony with the
principles of the law of heaven. . . .
"The new-covenant promise is, 'I will put
My laws into their hearts, and in their minds
will I write them.' While the system of
types which pointed to Christ as the Lamb
of God that should take away the sin of the
world, was to pass away at His death,
the principles of righteousness embodied in
the Decalogue are as immutable as the eter-
nal throne. Not one command has been an-
nulled, not a jot or tittle has been changed.
Those principles that were made known to
man in Paradise as the great law of life, will
exist unchanged in Paradise restored. When
Eden shall bloom on earth again, God's law
of love will be obeyed by all beneath the
sun."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
pages 80, 81.
Lesson 10, for March 10, 1956
Gathering of Israel; Witnesses for God
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 43.
MEMORY VERSE: "I,
even
I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own
sake, and will not remember thy sins." Isaiah 43:25.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review
and Herald;" "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Isaiah, chapter 43.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9.
survey of Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps as-
signment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Love for His People
1.
"Fear not: .. . thou art Mine." Isa.
43:1.
2.
Promised protection. Isa. 43:2.
3.
Value God places on His people. Isa.
43:3, 4.
4.
Gathers them from all places. -Isa.
43:5-7.
II. The Divine Summons
5.
God's call to the nations. Isa. 43:8, 9.
6.
Called to be His witnesses. Isa.
43:10.
E 33
7.
Responsibility of His witnesses. Isa.
43:11-13.
III. God Intervenes for His People
8.
Foretells the overthrow of Babylon.
Isa. 43 :14-17.
9.
Makes a way in the wilderness. Isa.
43:18-21.
IV. God Reproves His People
10.
His complaint. Isa. 43:22-24.
11.
His willingness to blot out their sins.
Isa. 43:25.
12.
"Let us plead together." Isa. 43:26.
13.
Sin brings a curse. Isa. 43:27, 28.
THE LESSON
Saviour died."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
479, 480.
Introduction
The lesson of this chapter centers around
two main topics. The first seven verses tell
of God's great love for His people, His
willingness to make any sacrifices to ensure
their salvation, to make certain that no
honest heart should be lost. He then makes
the promise that every member of His fam-
ily, those called by His name, should be
gathered to Himself.
The second topic deals with the weighing
of men in the balances, a testing of their
loyalty. God depends upon the witness of
His children. We are to testify of what He
has done for us, of what we know by per-
sonal experience. A witness is allowed to tell
only that which he personally knows to be
true. Now, what has God done for you?
God is looking for witnesses to testify to
what He has done for them.
God's Love for His People
1. What comforting statement is
made by the Lord to His people? Isa.
43:1.
NorE.—"Fear not." This blessed assurance
that we need not fear is especially comfort-
ing in view of the last verses of the preced-
ing chapter, where it is stated that God will
pour out His fury against them that walk
not in His ways nor keep His law.
"Called thee by thy name." "Jesus knows
us individually, and is touched with the
feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all
by name. He knows the very house in
which we live, the name of each occupant.
He has at times given directions to His serv-
ants to go to a certain street in a certain
city, to such a house, to find one of His
sheep. Every soul is as fully known to Jesus
as if he were the only one for whom the
2.
What promises are given to
God's people when in trial? Isa. 43:2.
Nora—God's promise to help His people
has been wonderfully fulfilled in the past.
For example, see Daniel 3:27 and Exodus
14:21, 22. When the trials of the last days
shall come, these promises will become very
precious indeed.
"Often the church militant is called upon
to suffer trial and affliction; for not without
severe conflict is the church to triumph.
`The bread of adversity,' the water of afflic-
tion,' these are the common lot of all; but
none who put their trust in the One mighty
to deliver will be utterly overwhelmed."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 723.
3.
How much does God think of
His people? Isa. 43:3, 4.
Nora—God loves His people. He loves
them so much that their worth cannot .be
expressed in terms of money. He would
gladly give Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba for
them. "I will give men for thee." That
which is of immeasurably greater value than
silver or gold, than property of any kind—
men, human lives—God would give for His
people. He spared not His own Son, but
freely gave Him. He has permitted some of
His own to give their lives for those "other
sheep" who have not known Him.
4.
With what promise does God al-
lay the fears of His people? Isa. 43:5-7.
[34]
NOTE.—These encouraging words should
have been fulfilled under the decree of
Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes when
(a)
the
people scattered throughout the Persian Em-
pire from Ethiopia to India (see Esther 1:1
and 3:8) returned to Palestine, and
(b)
in a
great world-wide missionary movement car-
ried out by a holy people thus restored to
their land. Because they failed to do their
part, this scripture is now being fulfilled.
The message is sounding in all parts of the
earth, and God is calling men from every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
"Called by My name." Of a certain com-
pany it is written that they will have the
Father's name written in their foreheads.
Rev. 14:1. God's name is what He is. Ex.
3:14. Hence to be called by the name of
God means to have His character.
The Divine Summons
5.
What call does God now issue to
all the nations? What challenge does
He make? Isa. 43:8, 9.
NOTE.—God is calling all nations together
as to a judgment scene. "Let them bring
forth their witnesses," He says. The ques-
tion is, Who is the true God? He challenges
them to "show us former things," that is,
things that they have predicted and which
have come to pass. If they profess to do this,
let them bring forth their witnesses to sup-
port their contention. If they cannot do
this, let them hear God's side of the case
and say, "It is truth."
6.
To what exalted privilege and
task are God's people called? Isa.
43:10.
NorE.—"Our confession of His faithful-
ness is Heaven's chosen agency for re-
vealing Christ to the world. We are to
acknowledge His grace as made known
through the holy men of old; but that which
will be most effectual is the testimony of our
own experience. We are witnesses for God
as we reveal in ourselves the working of a
power that is divine. Every individual has a
life distinct from all others, and an experi-
ence differing essentially from theirs. God
desires that our praise shall ascend to Him,
GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS SAVE US FROM
TROUBLE ; HE SAVES u9 IN
OUR
AFFLi011oNe.
marked with our own individuality. These
precious acknowledgments to the praise of
the glory of His grace, when supported by a
Christlike life, have an irresistible power
that works for the salvation of souls."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 100.
7.
Of what are God's people to
bear witness? Isa. 43:11-13.
NOTE.—"The people of the world are wor-
shiping false gods. They are to be turned
from their false worship, not by hearing
denunciation of their idols, but by beholding
something better. God's goodness is to be
made known. 'Ye are My witnesses, saith
the Lord, that I am God.'
"—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
page 299.
As to .being a witness, "This also we shall
be in eternity."—Education, page 308.
"Thc redeemed only, of all created beings,
have in their own experience known the
actual conflict with sin; they have wrought
with ,Christ, and, as even the angels could
not do, have entered into the fellowship of
His sufferings; will they have no testimony
as to the science of redemption,—nothing
that will be of worth to unfallen beings?"—
Ibid.
The first statement, "Before the day was
I am He," is variously translated. The sense
seems to be, "I am ever the same." Before
the day was, that is, before time began,. "I
am He." "Fr
om this day forth I am He."
(American Revised Version, margin.)
[3b]
God Intervenes for His People
8.
How is the fall of Babylon an-
nounced? Isa. 43:14-17.
NoTE.—In these verses the fall of Babylon
is announced, but in very general terms. We
are told that the chariot and horse, the army
and the power, shall lie down together and
not rise again, that they shall become ex-
tinct. When this calamity should come, His
people were to know that the Holy One, the
Creator of Israel, is their King, and that He
will make a way for them in the sea and a
path in the mighty waters.
9.
What figures are used to indi-
cate the way the people of God will
show forth His praise? Isa. 43:18-21.
NoTE.—These verses seem to have also a
prophetic meaning, referring to the time
when the Lord shall gather His sons and
daughters from the ends of the earth. Then
He will do a new thing. He will make ways
of travel in the wildernesses of the world
and along the rivers of the desert so that His
witness may reach His children in the east
and gather them from the west.
God Reproves His People
10.
What complaint does God
bring 'against His people? Isa. 43:
22-24.
NOTE.—God's
people have neglected
prayers; they have become weary of Him.
What an indictment! Against this charge
God defends Himself. He has not required
much of His people. He has not wearied
them either with offerings or with incense.
God now speaks of His weariness with
His people. "I have not caused thee to
serve," He says, "but thou hast made Me to
serve with thy sins." I have not "wearied
thee with incense," but "thou hast wearied
Me with thine iniquities." All power is of
God. When we sin, we use for a base pur-
pose the power God has given us. We make
Him to serve with our sins. What a fearful
condition!
11.
What wonderful service will
God perform for His people? Isa.
43:25.
NOTE.—It would be natural to expect God
to be so weary with our sins that He would
turn us away. On the contrary, God blots
out our sins, not for our sakes, not because
we deserve it, but for His own sake.
12.
What does God say we are to
do, and for what purpose? Isa. 43:26.
13.
What are the results of Israel's
following in the transgressions of
their leaders? Isa. 43:27, 28.
ATTENTION, SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS!
Are you using the Teacher's Edition of the "Sabbath School
Lesson Quarterly"? If not, you should ask your Sabbath-school
secretary to secure it for you. You will find it a great help in the
preparation of your lesson as well as in teaching, for every other
page in the quarterly is blank, thus giving space on which to
write out answers to questions, notes, or special comments to use
in class. It has been provided in response to requests from many
teachers. It is designed to help you, but it cannot help you if you
do not use it. Try it!
[ 36 ]
Lesson 11, for March 17, 1956
Worship of the True God
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Isaiah 44; 45:1-4.
MEMORY VERSE:
"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as
a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee." Isa. 44:22.
STUDY HELPS:
Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Isaiah, chapters 44, 45.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps as-
signment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Message to Israel
1.
God is Creator. Isa. 44:1, 2.
2.
Outpouring of the Spirit. Isa. 44:3, 4.
3.
Called by the name of the Lord. Isa.
44:5.
4.
Attested by the God of Israel. Isa.
44:6-8.
II. Vanity of Graven images
5.
Profitable for nothing. Isa. 44:9-11.
6.
Description of image making. Isa.
44:12-17.
7. Foolishness of idolatry. Isa. 44:18-
20.
III. Israel My Servant
8. A precious reminder. Isa. 44:21, 22.
9. Rejoicing over redemption of Jacob.
Isa. 44:23.
10. Redeemer and Creator confirms the
word of His servant. Isa. 44:24-27.
IV. Cyrus
-
The Lord's Anointed
11. Commission to rebuild Jerusalem.
Isa. 44:28.
12. An instrument in God's hand to
subdue nations. Isa. 45:1.
13. God goes before him. Isa. 45:2, 3.
14. Named for the sake of God's people.
Isa. 45:4.
THE LESSON
Introduction
God will pour out His Spirit, but only
upon them that are thirsty. Many will be
converted also among the Gentiles. These
shall all acknowledge the true God and keep
themselves from idols.
Two things distinguish the true God from
false gods. God is the Creator. God is the
God of prophecy. He can tell the future.
We may not worship idols of wood and
stone. But if we do not acknowledge God as
Creator, if we accept evolution as a substi-
tute for creation, we have formed another
god and rejected the true One.
God may use nations and kings to fulfill
His word. So He did in the case of Cyrus.
Our faith should be strengthened as we see
prophecy fulfilled.
God's Message to Israel
1. In addressing His chosen people,
how does God again call attention to
the fact that He is the Creator? Isa.
44:1, 2.
[ 37 ]
I HAVE BLOTTED NT._
THY TRANS60.ESSKIHS
,
THE PRECIOUS PROMISE
FORA PENITENT
SINNER
NoTE.—It is interesting to note how God
uses every opportunity to emphasize the fact
of creation. Here He announces Himself as
the One who made and formed man.
Jeshurun means the "upright one." It
may here be used to show the change from
"Jacob, the supplanter."
2.
What will be the result of the
outpouring of God's Spirit? Isa.
44:3, 4.
NOTE.—"There are certain conditions
upon which we may expect that God will
hear and answer our prayers. One of the
first of these is that we feel our need of help
from Him. He has promised, 'I will pour
water upon him that is thirsty, and floods
upon the dry ground.' Those who hunger
and thirst after righteousness, who long after
God, may be sure that they will be filled.
The heart must be open to the Spirit's in-
fluence, or God's blessing cannot be re-
ceived."—Steps
to Christ,
page 99.
The result of the outpouring of the Spirit
is the springing up here and there of life—
new believers.
3.
What will be the response of
different people? Isa. 44:5.
NOTE.—This verse tells of the ingathering
of Gentiles as a result of the outpouring of
the Spirit.
4.
What proof does God present to
show that beside Him there is no god?
Isa. 44:6-8.
NOTE.—God is here King, Redeemer, the
First and the Last, the only One.
A paraphrase of verse 7 would read: "Who
is like Me? For since the beginning, I have
prophesied and declared and set in order.
Now let them—the false gods—tell us the
future."
God repeatedly calls attention to prophecy
as incontestable proof of divinity. We may
do the same. We need not fear. God stands
by His predictions.
Vanity of Graven Images
5.
How does God again emphasize
the vanity of graven images? Isa.
44:9-11.
NarE.—"Their delectable things." An-
other name for their idols which are "pets,
favorites, treasures." They are their own
witnesses. They witness against themselves,
for they can neither see nor know. How,
then, can they help others? Verse 10 is a
rhetorical question, "Who is so foolish as to
make an image?"
"His fellows," that is, worshipers.
The workmen are men. And how can men
make a god?
6.
How is the fashioning of an idol
described? Isa. 44:12-17.
7.
In what striking language does
God expose the stupidity of those who
make and worship idols? Isa. 44:18-20.
NOTE.—"He bath shut their eyes." Rather,
their eyes are plastered over.
38 ]
"None considereth." They do not think,
they do'not reflect. If they did, they would
see the folly of their action.
"Feedeth on ashes." See Proverbs 15:14 ;
Hosea 12:1.
"A deceived heart." We need to ask God
to help us not to deceive ourselves.
"Cannot deliver his soul." Help must
come from some outside source. We cannot
save ourselves. An idol is a lie. Men believe
an idol can help, but this is a vain hope.
Israel My Servant
8.
What vital facts are Jacob 'and
Israel told to remember? What invi-
tation is given? Isa. 44:21, 22.
NOTE.—God tells His people to remember
these things of which He has just been
speaking. And if they do, God will remem-
ber them. They shall not be forgotten. God
does not merely promise. to forgive, but in
this text it is spoken of as already done. "I
have blotted out." It is as though a father
were speaking to a wayward son or daughter
who had caused the parents much sorrow
and grief: I have forgiven the past. All is
well. Come home. Return to me. I have
redeemed you.
9.
Why are heaven and earth called
upon to break forth into singing?
Isa. 44:23.
NorE.—Rejoice, for the Lord hath done
it! The Lord hath redeemed Jacob.
10.
How does the Lord again men-
tion His creative power? What other
references does He make to His
power? Isa. 44:24-27.
Cyrus—The Lord's Anointed
11.
As the Lord's servant, what
important proclamation was Cyrus to
make? Isa. 44:28.
Nom—The mention of Cyrus by name,
one hundred fifty years before his appear-
ance, has been one of the chief factors in
causing critics to believe that Isaiah did not
write this part of his .prophecies. It seems
impossible to them that God could give a
man's name even before his birth. Such an
attitude shows a great lack of faith, and,
indeed, most of the work of the critics is
founded in unbelief. Josiah's name was an-
nounced three centuries before his birth.
1 Kings 13:2. And why should it be thought
thing incredible that God should do this?
These very chapters in Isaiah emphasize
again and again that God is different from
idols. He can foretell the future. They can-
not. For anyone to hold the view that God
cannot tell what is to come, is to put Him
on a level with idols.
12.
How is Cyrus and his work fur-
ther spoken of? Isa. 45:1.
NorE.—"His anointed." The only place in
the Scriptures where this is spoken of a
Gentile.
"The advent of the army of Cyrus before
the walls of Babylon was to the Jews a sign
that their deliverance from captivity was
drawing nigh. More than a century before
the birth of Cyrus, Inspiration had men-
tioned him by name, and had caused a record
to be made of the actual work he should do
in taking the city of Babylon unawares, and
in preparing the way for the release of the
children of the captivity. Through Isaiah
the word had been spoken.. .
"In the unexpected entry of the army of
the Persian conqueror into the heart of the
Babylonian capital by way of the channel
of the river whose waters had been turned
aside, and through the inner gates that in
careless security had been left open and un-
protected, the Jews had abundant evidence
of the literal fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy
concerning the sudden overthrow of their
oppressors."—Prophets
and. Kings,
pages
551, 552.
13.
What did God promise to do
for Cyrus, and for what reason? Isa.
45:2, 3.
NOTE —God would go before and help
Cyrus. He is the One who would cause
the gates to open. God would so work
[ 39 3
that Cyrus could not fail to know that
some supernatural power was helping him.
Babylon, according to Herodotus, had one
hundred gates, all of brass. The city could
not be taken in any ordinary manner.
14. For whose sake was Cyrus
called by name? Isa. 45:4.
NorE.-To establish the faith of His peo-
ple, God called Cyrus by name. When we see
prophecy fulfilled, our faith should become
stronger. The fulfillment of prophecy in the
signs of the times occurring all about us
should have the same effect. Now is no
time for discouragement. We are about to
see the consummation of our hope.
Lesson 12, for March 24, 1956
Only One Saviour
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 45:5-25; 46.
MEMORY VERSE: "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I
am God, and there is none else." Isa. 45:22.
STUDY HELPS: Lesson Helps in "Review and Herald;" "Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," Isaiah, chapters 45, 46.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
Sabbath afternoon: general survey of
the lesson.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
Wednesday: Questions 12-15.
Thursday: Read Study Helps assignment.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. No God but the Lord.
1.
The one true God girded Cyrus.
Isa.
45:5,
6.
2.
His power over light and darkness,
peace
and evil. Isa. 45:7.
3.
Promised blessings. Isa. 45:8.
4.
Woe for
those who strive against
God. Isa. 45:9, 10.
II. God Is the Creator
5.
God makes known His creative
power and foreknowledge. Isa.
45:
11-14.
6.
Idolators confounded;
worshipers of
Creator vindicated. Isa. 45:15-17.
[
40]
7. Earth
created not in vain. Isa. 45:
18, 19.
8. God, the Creator, calls to the ends
of the earth.
Isa. 45:20-22.
9. Every knee shall bow. Isa. 45:23.
10. In Him is righteousness and justifi-
cation. Isa. 45:24, 25.
Downfall of Babylonian gods. Isa.
46:1, 2.
12.
Sustaining power of God. Isa.
46:3, 4.
13.
God not to be compared to idols.
Isa. 46:5-9. -
14.
Immutability
of His counsel.
Isa.
46:10,
11.
15.
Salvation in Zion. Isa. 46:13.
III. There Is None Else
11.
OUR SAVIOUR NEVER FORGETS US, FOR
OUR NAMES ARE ENGRAVED ON HIS HANDS.
Norh.—"As the world's Redeemer, Christ
was constantly confronted with apparent
failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our
world, seemed to do little of the work He
longed to do in uplifting and saving. Sa-
tanic influences were constantly working to
oppose His way. But He would not be dis-
couraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah
He declares, 'I have labored in vain, I have
spent My strength for nought, and in vain:
yet surely My judgment is with the Lord,
and My work with My God.'
"—The Desire
of Ages,
page 678.
If Christ could feel a sense of discourage-
ment, is it surprising that we sometimes feel
the same way? Let us follow His example:
Leave ourselves with the Lord, and take
courage.
The American Revised Version translates
the latter part of the verse:
"Yet
surely the
justice due to Me is with Jehovah, and My
recompense with My God."
5. For what purpose was "My Serv-
ant" called? Isa. 49:5.
NorE.—This verse seems to have definite
reference to Christ. He was called to bring
"Jacob" back to God, and also, as the Amer-
ican Revised Version has it, "that Israel be
gathered unto Him."
Christ was glorious, or honorable, in the
sight of God. Yet He did not take glory to
Himself. He said, "I can of Mine own self
do nothihg." John 5:30.
A Light to the Gentiles
6.
What twofold responsibility did
God place upon His Servant? Isa. 49:6.
Non.—"This prophecy was generally un-
derstood as spoken of the Messiah, and when
Jesus said, 'I am the Light of the world,' the
people could not fail to recognize His claim
to be the Promised One."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 465.
"It was generally understood that the
coming of the Messiah was referred to in
the prophecy [Isaiah
49:6]."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 688, 689.
This prophecy, however, also has an appli-
cation to the people of God.
"This is the word of the Lord to all who
are in any way connected with His appointed
institutions. They are favored of God, for
they are brought into channels where the
light shines. They are in His special service,
and they should not esteem this a light
thing."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 192.
A paraphrase of Isaiah 49:6 would read:
"It is too small a work for you to labor only
among those who already know the truth.
I will send you for a light to the heathen,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of
the earth."
7.
How is Christ spoken of? What
prophecy is made concerning Him?
Isa. 49:7.
NoTE.—This verse refers definitely to
Christ. "It is to Christ that the promise is
given."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 678. He
was despised of men. Isaiah 53:3. It is not
the Jews only who cry, "Away with Him."
John 19:15. "A servant of rulers," taunted
and scourged by such rulers as Herod and
Pontius Pilate. Luke 23:11; John 19:1, 16.
Nevertheless, the time will come when kings
and rulers shall "see and arise." Wonderful
change!
8.
What assurance does God give
to His Servant? Isa. 49:8.
Nom—Christ is here again spoken of as
"a covenant of the people." Compare chap-
46
ter 42:6. He has become the mediator of
a new covenant (Hebrews 8:6), and hence
may be spoken of in the terms of our text.
"Establish the earth," rather, raise up the
earth, that is, lift it out of its present de-
graded, sin-cursed condition. Christ came
to seek and to save that which is lost, and
this includes the earth.
9.
What proclamation is to be made
to the prisoners? Isa. 49:9, first part.
NOTE
.—Compare Isaiah 61:1. Moffatt
translates the latter part of Isaiah 49:9 thus:
"On the road home, food shall never fail
them, they shall find pasture even upon bare
hills."
10.
What promise is made to them?
Isa. 49:9 (last part), 10. Compare Ps.
121:2-8.
God's Purpose for His Church
11.
How shall the way of the peo-
ple be prepared? Whence do these
prisoners come? Isa. 49:11, 12.
NorE.—By many commentators Sinim is
thought to refer to China. Other possible
interpretations of this verse are made in the
Commentary.
12.
Why are the heavens and the
earth to rejoice? But what does Zion,
or God's people, say? Isa. 49:13, 14.
13.
What illustrations are used to
show forth God's remembrance of His
people? Who shall be separated from
God's people? Isa. 49:15-17.
NorE.—"Not a single soul who puts his
trust in Him will be forgotten. God thinks
of His children with the tenderest solicitude
and keeps a book of remembrance before
Him, that He may never forget the children
of His
care."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 329,
330.
Verse 17 contains an interesting statement.
"Thy destroyers and they that made thee
waste shall go forth of thee." While God's
people are to go out of Babylon, when it
comes to the church, it is not the church that
leaves and goes out, but the destroyers, the
wasters. It is not those that "go forth" that
constitute the church. The church remains.
Enlargement Promised
14.
After the wasters and destroyers
have gone forth from the church, who
shall come to take their place? What
solemn statement does the Lord make?
Isa. 49:18.
15.
How is the enlargement of
God's people indicated? Isa. 49:19, 20.
16.
What questions shall Zion ask?
What answer does the Lord give? Isa.
49:21-23.
NorE.—These latter verses without doubt
found their first fulfillment in the coming in
of the Gentiles in the Christian Era. May we
not believe they will find another and even
more complete fulfillment, and that they that
wait for the Lord's second advent shall not
be ashamed?
It is not possible in one quarter's lessons to do justice to the wealth of material found in
the book of Isaiah. Therefore we will continue the study during next quarter, and even
then it will be necessary to omit or greatly abbreviate certain portions of the book.
[ 46 ]
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